In a year marked by the unfortunate closure and wind-down of numerous recent game releases, fans of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent can breathe a sigh of relief. This mobile spin-off of the beloved throwback RPG will not meet the same fate. Instead, starting in January next year, Square Enix will transfer the operational responsibilities to NetEase. This move may indicate a broader strategy shift, suggesting that Square Enix is stepping back from its mobile gaming endeavors.
Just this week, we highlighted the announcement of an official mobile version of another Square Enix title, Final Fantasy XIV (14). The feasibility of this port was largely driven by the enthusiasm of Lightspeed Studios, a Tencent subsidiary. With Octopath Traveler on mobile now transitioning to NetEase, and the outsourcing of FFXIV Mobile, it's natural to ponder where Square Enix currently stands in the mobile gaming landscape.
The signs of Square Enix scaling back its mobile ambitions were evident as early as 2022, with the closure of Square Enix Montreal, the studio behind acclaimed titles like Hitman GO and Deus Ex GO. While it's reassuring to know that some games will survive this strategic shift, it's disheartening to see such changes occur, particularly when there is clear demand for more Square Enix properties on mobile platforms—as evidenced by the significant interest in FFXIV on mobile.
These developments raise valid questions about Square Enix's future in mobile gaming. Fortunately, for Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent players, the transition to NetEase will include the transfer of save data and progress, ensuring minimal disruption. In the meantime, if you're eager to explore other modern classics, why not check out our list of the top 25 best RPGs for Android?
